Toyota Sienna Muffler

The Causes behind Some Common Problems with the Toyota Sienna Muffler

Muffler problems are a big headache to anyone, especially if you don't know what is causing them. Luckily for you, this article will run you through some of the most common Toyota Sienna muffler issues and how they can be diagnosed. Read on to find out more.

Loud exhaust noises

The main job of the muffler is to reduce engine noise; if you notice your Camaro getting louder all of a sudden, there is something definitely wrong with the part. To figure out the problem, get underneath your car to check the muffler out. Check for holes, damage, loose exhaust connections, and other possible sources of exhaust leakage. If the muffler looks okay, try knocking on it and listen for any sound coming from inside. If you hear something shaking from within the muffler, the baffles inside could be broken and unable to deaden the sound of the exhaust. Remember, wait for the muffler to cool down before touching it. A hot exhaust system could cause serious burns.

Clattering sounds when running or clunking sounds when passing through rough terrain

Rattling or clunking noises from beneath your Sienna could mean that the muffler has come loose. Grab hold of the muffler and shake it a bit to see if it is loose. Inspect all of the brackets, bolts, and fasteners and tighten any of them if necessary.

Soot buildup on the muffler

If you see a buildup of soot or dirt around the muffler, you might have an exhaust leak. Do a visual inspection of the muffler to find any damage that could cause the gas to leak out. Fix the damage by welding it or by suing an exhaust mending kit.

Rust on the muffler

Rust could be caused by exposure to moisture and road salt during the winter. Rust could also be caused by moisture forming inside the muffler, a normal occurrence when starting the car during cold mornings. Some mufflers even have drain holes to allow water to escape. There is little that can be done with extensive rust. The best solution is to replace the whole muffler. To lessen the chances of having a rusty muffler in the future, try treating it with an anti-rust and anti-corrosion coating. You could also have the exterior of the muffler painted to protect the surface from the elements.

Toyota Sienna Muffler Available Years

How to Make Your Toyota Sienna Muffler Last Longer 27 February 2013

Having a failing muffler is surely a pain for many car owners. A clogged up and faulty muffler could hamper engine performance, and the dirty exhaust it could release will surely make you fail emission tests. To keep your Toyota Sienna muffler in the best working condition, here are some maintenance tips to remember:

Keep up engine maintenance.

Part of having a healthy and working exhaust system is always keeping your engine in perfect working condition. Remember, whatever comes out of the engine's combustion chambers goes straight through the exhausts pipes. A faulty engine could prevent fuel from burning completely or could cause excess carbon build-up. The unburned fuel and the excess carbon could deposit themselves along the exhaust system, clogging it up and causing it to fail; the muffler is particularly vulnerable to this. The same could happen to a leaking engine, which could allow engine oil or coolant to make their way into the combustion chamber. Once they make get to your muffler, they could likewise ruin it too.

Use only high-grade fuel.

Many fuel companies today offer gasoline and diesel fuel that are low in lead and sulphur impurities while including some helpful additives like mild cleaning detergents. They may cost a few cents more than regular fuel but their long term benefits will definitely outweigh the cost. As mentioned in the previous tip, anything that comes out your engines goes straight through the exhausts system and the muffler. High quality fuel will burn much more cleanly while leaving very few deposits along the exhaust pipe. As a result, your muffler will also stay cleaner for much longer.

Be careful of the additives you use.

Additives will promise things like increased engine performance and a clean fuel system, but unbeknownst to you, it could come at a cost, your exhaust system. Some additives may contain harmful chemicals that could make their way to the exhaust system, fouling it up. Be sure to use additives that are approved by manufacturers or vetted by other car owners. As a matter of fact, many muffler manufacturers will void any warranty on their products if they've determined that you've used any additives that they have not approved.